Government Announces Major Water Tariff Reductions

News Today: Water tariffs reduced in Sri Lanka for domestic, hospital, and school users

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to reduce water tariffs across various sectors in Sri Lanka. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced the new rates following a special gazette notification issued last night. This decision aligns with the revised tariff formula agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Under the new tariff structure, domestic water users will see a 7% reduction in their water bills. Government hospitals are set to benefit from a 4.5% decrease, while schools and religious places of worship will experience a 6.3% reduction. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to the public and ensure affordable access to essential services.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardana, emphasized that the reduction in water tariffs was a necessary step to meet the conditions laid out in the agreement with the IMF. “We are committed to implementing policies that not only comply with international agreements but also provide tangible benefits to our citizens,” Minister Gunawardana stated during a press briefing.